A pelican, an otter and an eagle: Manitoba wildlife hospital seeing a spike in patients
A Manitoba wildlife hospital is concerned about the high influx of animals coming through their doors needing help.
The Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre said capacity has become an issue due to an increased number of patients which is made more problematic because the time animals spend in recovery is often longer in the winter months.
“We’re having to really adjust our plan and our rooms and really shift gears, and as you can imagine puts a strain on our resources,” said Zoe Nakata, executive director of the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre.
Nakata said the centre currently has about 45 animals in care and some are quite big and need a significant amount of resources.
For example, a great grey owl currently in care needs a full-flight cage to itself. Other animals recently brought to the centre include an otter who is recovering from a dog attack, an eagle with a wrist fracture and a pelican suffering from frostbite after getting stuck in the ice.
“So as they are coming in, our team is meeting quite often to re-examine our room plan and our care plans to make sure our resources are allocated properly,” said Nakata. “It is varying significantly from what I’d call our typical plan for our typical winter.”
Reasons for the centre’s 21 per cent increase in animal admissions are varied, but severe weather has been a factor.
Nakata said drought conditions along with strong wind events have led to some injuries, as has the recent snowfall. In addition there are the ever-present human-related injuries like vehicle collisions, electrocutions and window strikes.
Nakata also believes awareness of the centre is playing a role.
“As people are learning about us and are learning that we do have an accredited vet hospital now and we do have a full team of qualified rehabbers maybe they’ll stop and pick up that snowy owl on the side of the road that seems distressed,” Nakata said.
The centre still has capacity and Nakata said contingency plans are in place so any animal that requires care can get it.
The organization is also looking for donations to help pay for the approximate $50 a day cost per animal in care. It doesn’t receive any government funding and is reliant on private and corporate donations and partnerships to keep their doors open.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Woman found dead alongside three relatives remembered as selfless, caring mother
A woman who was found dead alongside three of her family members at a home in rural southwestern Ontario this week is being remembered as a selfless, caring mother who worked tirelessly for her community.
Former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi wins Alberta NDP leadership
Former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi will replace Rachel Notley as the Alberta NDP leader after receiving 86 per cent of the vote on the first ballot.
Accessibility uproar after Olds, Alta., woman with cerebral palsy threatened with $5K fine for using mobility aid
An Olds, Alta., woman with accessibility issues is speaking out against the town after local bylaw officers informed her she would receive a $5,000 fine if she was caught using her mobility scooter on any street, sidewalk or pathway in town.
Man trying to drown two children on Connecticut beach is stopped by officers, police say
A man trying to drown two small children at a Connecticut beach early Saturday morning was thwarted by police officers, according to authorities.
OPINION If Dolly Parton can be cancelled, we're in serious trouble
The person most unlikely to be cancelled in U.S. history — iconic American singer, songwriter and actress, Dolly Parton — has been caught in the crosshairs of cancel culture.
Vehicle involved in inter-provincial missing child investigation located in Saskatchewan
The vehicle which is believed to be involved in an inter-provincial missing child investigation has been located in Saskatchewan.
Toddler, 40-year-old identified as victims in deadly quadruple shooting in Vaughan, Ont.: police
A toddler and a 40-year-old were killed in a quadruple shooting at a Vaughan, Ont. residence Friday morning, as police announce an arrest in what they're describing as a 'targeted' incident.
B.C. First Nations involved in salmon farming demand apology from William Shatner, Ryan Reynolds
A coalition of B.C. First Nations involved in open-net salmon farming have called on Canadian actors William Shatner and Ryan Reynolds to apologize for a profanity-laced video criticizing the wider industry.
'Discarded in the freezer': Owners reeling after death of 2 dogs under care of Toronto-area petsitter
After seeing her dog's body removed from a freezer a day after leaving him in the care of a petsitter, Jenuen Monroe wants answers.